Blog Post #11 - Neoclassical

 

Neoclassicism was a reaction to the expensive extravagance of the Rococo movement and its leaders. Beginning in 1760, this period emphasized simplicity, geometric purity, and classical elements. One example of this in France was the Petite Trianon, which was formed with square rooms, Corinthian columns, and minimal decoration. The exterior structure is basic and geometric, but the insides still retained some ornamentation, such as painted off-white walls and gilded iron railings. Since America was closely connected to France through ambassadors, literature, and military alliances, American Neoclassical design shares the same foundational principles. For example, Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, was inspired by the Villa Rotunda and has a similar radial layout. The home is symmetrical with classical detailing, which was common for these early American homes, particularly in the South.

 

 

Geometric simplicity in the Petite Trianon

 

Gilded and initialed iron railings at Petite Trianon

 

Monticello utilizes classical columns in the front façade.

 

The Massachusetts state capitol building

 

The U.S. State Capitol Building

 

A modern living room uses pastel paint for the walls and an elegant chandelier

 

This space utilizes classical pilasters

 

Modern art and light fixtures can be combined with neoclassical panels and wall details.

 

One Step Further

The Adam brothers were some of the first to favor an integrated style for architecture and interior design: they designed all parts of a building, inside and out, with a unified scheme. Robert and James Adam were greatly influenced by their trip to Italy, where they studied the ruins of ancient Greece. Upon their return home, they sought to simplify the rococo style to create elegance and lightness in interior spaces. One of their most famous buildings is the Osterley House, which relates to the ancient world without copying it directly. The brothers accomplished this by combining Ionic and Doric details with Rococo carvings.

The Osterley House uses classical columns with a red-brick façade.

 

An elegant interior room with classical detailing in the fireplace

 

Classical ceiling forms

 

Closing Reflection

Neoclassical design is closely related to the political ideals of the time. America and France were both experiencing revolutions and desired democracy and equality. Their architects, thus, turned to ancient Greece and Rome, the birthplaces of democracy, for architectural inspiration. The excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum aided this movement by providing accurate historical models and a renewed interest in ancient design. Overall, design often follows the philosophies of an era, and Neoclassical design is no exception.